HAVING a decent gaming headset is all well and good, but it helps to have somewhere to store it when you’re not wearing it.
A headset stand is the obvious solution – but what about if you could charge your phone at the same time (or while you’re using the headset?). Satechi have obviously asked themselves the same question, because I’m reviewing the result.
The Satechi 2-in-1 Headphone Stand with Wireless Charger is, essentially, a Magsafe/Qi-compatible wireless charging base with a metal headset holder above it. It sounds simple because it is – and it’s also very useful, although they have a premium price tag attached.
The stylish modern design is intended to fit in well pretty much anywhere – from an office desk to a gaming setup to a kitchen bench – and it does that very nicely.
The charger (connected via USB-C to a USB port or charger) works very well; the magnet in it is very strong (easily strong enough to clamp an iPhone 14 Max down) and also works just fine with things like wireless charging earbud cases too. A white LED on the front illuminates to let you know when your device is charging, which is a nice touch, as is the USB-C output socket.
At 7.5W it’s not a fast charger, but does a perfectly serviceable job, especially given the idea is that you’re gaming (or working) and the phone is sitting there charging while you do that.
The headset bar has a sort of rubberised padding on it so you don’t damage your headset, as well as a cable management thing on the vertical support. It all feels solid and well made, and was very stable too – I wasn’t worried about it falling off the desk if I accidentally bumped it while playing a game on my PC.
The 22cm height of the headset stand worked with everything I tested it on; my daily driver headset is an Epos H6 Pro wired set and there was more than enough clearance for the headset and the connecting cable when using the stand; even with a phone charging at the same time.
The only real drawback to the unit (besides its price) is that the lie-flat design for the smartphone means you can’t be using it for streaming/as a second camera while it’s charging.
The RRP of AUD$139 at present is too high for what this is, in my view. It’s practical and stylish, but it’s also not exactly cutting edge or revolutionary technology; I got the strong impression you’re paying for the aesthetics rather than the practicality.
If you’ve got the budget and are looking for an effective way to both store your gaming headset and charge your smartphone in one convenient location, the Satechi 2-in-1 headphone stand with wireless charger absolutely delivers on what it promises.
